Recently, a different circuit appeared on the web, shown below. Again, R2 and R3 are significantly larger than R1 and R4. The initial reaction of one observer was that this circuit can’t work, because there’s no DC bias path for either transistor. Is this assessment correct?
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No, it isn’t. This circuit can oscillate just fine. Again,
look at how C1 charges and discharges.
If C1 starts out discharged, it will charge through R1 and
the B-E junction of Q2. This current will turn on Q2, holding its collector at
ground (really VCE(SAT)) and preventing Q1 from turning on.
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However, as C1 reaches full charge, the current through it decays below a level that will keep Q2 turned on. When it starts to turn off, its collector voltage rises, which also forces current into Q1’s base through C2. As Q1 begins to turn on, it pulls its collector low, which also pulls the base of Q2 lower, emphasizing its turn-off. The circuit quickly “snaps” to the other state, with Q1 on and Q2 off. C1 is discharged through Q1 and D2 at the same time that C2 begins charging through R4 and Q1’s B–E junction.
